Truesdell calls GOP release 'old news'

House candidate questions timing of information.

House candidate questions timing of information.

July 16, 2008|By LOU MUMFORD Tribune Staff Writer

NILES -- A news release issued this week by the Michigan Republican Party calling attention to tax debts once owed by Niles Democrat Judy Truesdell is "old news" and nothing more, Truesdell said Tuesday. "They did the same thing the last time," Truesdell said, referring to her race two years ago against 78th District state Rep. Neal Nitz, R-Baroda. "All those taxes were paid years ago. I think they must really be desperate." Truesdell lost to Nitz in 2006 by about 1,000 votes. This year, Nitz is prevented by term limits from adding to his six consecutive years in the seat. Truesdell was the lone Democrat to file petitions for the 78th District seat by the May 13 deadline. In November, she'll meet the winner of the Aug. 5 Republican primary featuring Sharon Tyler, Bill Baber, Gary Campbell and Bruce Hipshear. On Tuesday, Truesdell was mystified not only that the state GOP had once again raised the tax issue but also the timing of the statement. It would seem the better time to make it a campaign issue would be closer to the general election in November, when Truesdell will square off against the winner of the four-way contest. At any rate, Truesdell didn't deny that she and her husband, Terry, once faced a delinquent tax situation and tax liens resulting from their ownership of Ironwood Displays. The company closed in 1998 and was merged with another company, Truesdell said. "This was a matter of dealing with things that came up at the time. ... It was a wrap-up of a business," she said. Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius "Saul" Anuzis argued the 15 tax liens placed on the business over a 12-year period raises questions about Truesdell's ability to focus on fixing the state's financial problems. "When it comes to managing her affairs, Judy Truesdell seems to fall short," he said. "Lansing doesn't need another leader whose own financial miscues will get in the way of the important work that needs to be done." Truesdell said prior tax debts have nothing to do with her efforts to get Michigan back on track. "This distorts the truth and paints my reputation as something I'm not. It takes the focus away from jobs, education and change. I don't understand it," she said. "That's what people want to talk about. They want change. I've been going door to door a lot, and it's not just gas prices that has people upset. It's what's happening to the middle class. We need tax base. People are scared. Together we've got to figure out a solution." Truesdell said she and her daughter, Meg, are currently involved in a company that manufactures corrugated displays for cupcakes. Known as cupcaketree.com, it ships the displays all over the world, she said. She argued her efforts with the company make the state GOP's news release all the more surprising. "We're entrepreneurs. We're exactly what Michigan is looking for to grow the economy," she said.